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laryngeal spasm

what causes laryngeal spasm and is there any medication to prevent an attack.


This discussion is related to Laryngeal Muscle Tension/breathing distress.
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Avatar universal
Im 25 and had my first episode ever mon night while i was laying down and called 911 by the time they arrived it was over i thought I was dying. I ran to the bathroom and splashed cold water in my face and tried to drink but it didnt help at all. I was making this really high pitched noise my fiance was panicking he to thought i was going to die. I suffer from anixety and panic attacks this is worse than that so freaking scary. I went outside and held my arms straight up in the air and finally started getting my breath back my airway was cut off for about 45 sec to a minute and a half but it felt like a lifetime. It took a good 8 to 10 minutes for my breathing to return to normal but my heart is still racing 2 days later. I went to the er the next morning they thought I was crazy never heard of this happening I am glad I researched it and figured out what is wrong with me. The er was no help at all I really want to go back and  tell them what it is I have wrong with me. I have not felt the same since its happened I'm having severe anxiety thinking about having another one. I'm going to present it to my doc on Monday and hopefully go from there.
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Avatar universal
READ THIS IT WILL HELP!
I came down with whooping cough, and the constant coughing damaged my  throat and made it so sensitive I began to have  spasms at a rate of one every 3- 4 hours day and night. Not only was I not getting any sleep, but the attacks were terrifying and I came close to passing out a number of times. The best the British NHS could do was tell me that if I did pass out it would trigger a breathing reflex so I probably wouldn't die.
What made matters worse was that I began having  acid reflux in the evenings which inflamed the throat further.
HOW TO MANAGE AN ATTACK
The trick to coping with the attacks was to keep a bottle of water permanently on hand.
The moment I felt an attack coming on, I took a sip of water. It turns out the act of swallowing overides the spasm and you can breath again (breathe through your nose not mouth). Most of the time the act of drinking stopped an attack completely. On the odd occasion when it restarted, I just kept sipping and breathing until it went away.
The ability to get oxygen into your lungs during an attack takes away the fear factor and, as you get the hang of it,  the attacks will become a mild inconvenience rather than a life threatening event.
TIPS:
1. Panic can result in you accidentally pouring half the bottle down your throat and then choking on it.  To prevent this, get a sports water bottle or something with a small opening that will slow the amount of water entering your mouth.
2. Make sure you breath through your nose not your mouth as your nose moistens and warms the air. Cold unmoistened air just irritates the throat!  As a result of constant hayfever I was used to breathing through my mouth and this simply made the condition worse.  I had to relearn to breathe through my nose.
THE PROCESS OF RECOVERY
As suggested above I took copper and Magnesium to speed up the recovery.
I also took meds to dilute my stomach acid so that the acid reflux would stop constantly damaging my throat.
The reality is that the throat takes a long time to recover. For me it took 6 months before the attacks ended, but end they did, so hang in there!  
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2 Comments
Thank you so much for your very helpful explanation and comment.  I have started having these spasms completely unexpectedly when battling with a bad cough and they are sooo frightening.  
Your advice as to how to keep the symptoms at bay seems to be helping me to get a handle on this - I haven't had a real episode in 2 days now....
So I live in hope that 6 months from now, this will all be history.  Thanks again.
Hi petramaxed, welcome to MedHelp forums. Are you working with your doctor too?  That's always recommended. Here's some general information on coughing https://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_cough/article.htm.

There is also a type of asthma that develops after an illness that can have these same symptoms.  Inhalers can help.  Let us know how you are doing!
Avatar universal
Thank you all for your honest posts. I have had these horrible episodes for around 10 years. I always worry what I will do if one starts while I am driving. But last night was the worst one ever where I turned blue and came close to passing out. My husband was terrified. It felt like I was drowning and for a moment I thought oh my gosh I am going to die. My damaged occurred at the age of 5 when I split my head open and needed 30 plus stitches. They would not let my mom in the room and put me in a straight jacket and I screamed bloody murder. My mom recalls I had no voice for weeks and ever since I have had coughing and throat issues. I will be seeing my doctor soon but in the mean time am so greatful to know I am not alone and that I am not crazy and that I found this site. My thoughts are with you all. Thank you!
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1 Comments
Thank you everyone from Sudbury Ontario for all your advice. I have severe attacks where I am initiated and in ICU for a one to two weeks this happened four times last year and continue to have minor ones. My last one landed me in jail because at   ER the Dr. on call said there was nothing wrong but a panic attack and couldn't breathe and I refused to leave without getting help they the called police and charged me with trespassing and I ended up in jail. So upset that became even worse where I ended back at ER where I ended back in ICU intiabated . No apology but
now have a police record to show for me having laringospasms . Doctors need to be made more aware of this condition maybe if they have a bad attack they would be more sensitive for all who suffers for this condition. Thanks you all for your informative post it has helped ne knowing I'm not alone.
Avatar universal
This is what sometimes happens when I am taking liquid.  The anxiety about it happening makes it worse.   I was recently at a party, and all I could think about was choking on my non-alcoholic, cold drink.  I would appreciate hearing what anti-anxiety medications people have tried for this.  This is my only anxiety-related behavior.  
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Avatar universal
I've had larynx spasms for the last 10 years. At first it was about once a month or so and now it's almost every day.  Having COPD doesn't help any either. My doctor has me on Benzonatate 100mg  (taking 2 when the episode starts and codeine.  The Benzonatate takes affect 15 minutes after I take them. Basically after the attack is over.  Yes it can start with a tickling sensation in your throat but sometimes it starts over nothing at all.  I've had so many I stopped counting.  I now have a procedure for when it starts.  I take hot water as hot as I can. The reason is that your larynx is a muscle and hot water relaxes it.  STAY calm,  breathe in through your nose very slowly  and out your mouth.  Breathing through your mouth only irritates it. My wife makes me a cup of Chamomile tea which is suppose to calm you.  Don't know if anything can really calm you but more real hot tea seems to help calm it more.  Talking doesn't help during one of these attacks, it only can make it
worse.  Doctors really don't understand and information is slow.  So until the next one.......
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Avatar universal
Hi Carol...I know this is over a year late but I just found this site.
I've had these spasms for years - normally as a result of suffering a laryngitis spell (being a teacher, this has been a problem) - I actually had one this past week as I've been tired, recovering from a sinus infection, and was eating something and inhaled the 'dust' of a pretzel I'd been eating - the dust hit the back of my throat and caused a reaction so severe my husband had to pull the car over to grab me a water.
However, I pulled out an inhaler...I had had this bad sinus infection 2 weeks ago and asked the at Urgent Care for one. I sprayed FAST!  Along with the water, it took a much shorter time to pull out of it.  
I've had these spasms so badly, I begin to black out and my entire chest reacts painfully and becomes very splotchy.  It's really a problem in the classroom and I'm sure it's some type of allergic reaction the strains of trying to talk, breathe and the air around me.  
I've finally, in all these years, have a name for it.
Maybe try an inhaler....if it's an allergic reaction, it seems to make sense to me.  Better than me trying to do a tracheotomy on myself!!
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Avatar universal
Laryngeal spasm has a new name - Laryngospasm.  So nice that it is finally is being recognized by the medical community.  Went to 3 doctors 40 years ago when it started happening and they all shrugged their shoulders and told me my throat was fine. I blame my condition on a traumatic tonsillectomy 40 years ago that must have caused damage to the nerves in my throat because it started happening with one month..   Was awake during surgery, blindfolded, while an orderly held me down. Sick, sick doctor who convinced my mother  that I could bleed to death with the traditional tonsillectomy under general anesthesia.  My spasms began within 1 month of surgery and have been going on ever since. I usually get about 2 or 3 a year now. It used to happen much more frequently.  I am no longer awakened from a sound sleep with them since I've been taking Pepcid AC at bedtime.  I've also figured out how to stop them in their tracks, and that's by drinking water (room temp, not cold) as soon as it starts.  When you swallow, it opens your throat momentarily and you can get some air in.  Continue to drink and by the time you've finished second glass of water you're home free. Knowing the *water trick* works, I'm never without a drink available if I'm eating anything. My throat closes up for a variety of reasons, respiratory infections, acid reflux (which I no longer have) but now most of the time it happens when I'm eating, especially if I'm stressed.   About 10 years ago I had my gallbladder out and warned the anesthesiologist of my condition. Sure enough, when I woke in recovery room I couldn't breathe. She had a shot of albuterol ready for me (which I had asked her to prepare for me in advance, thank goodness) but even with that, my respiration rate was 83% and I was on oxygen all night. I'm terrified to think of what will happen if I ever need heart bypass surgery...  I hope that you all try the water during an attack.  I had tried the breathing techniques and though it helps, it's not half as good as the water remedy.
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Avatar universal
I am 70 years old and suffered from Laryngeal Spasm for years and here is how you can stop an attack. I promise you this works. This is what you do.
As soon as you get an attack and you have to be quick and brave,

SWALLOW, AS IN GULP DOWN, AIR. FORCE AIR DOWN YOUR THROAT AND MAKE YOURSELF BELCH.

Keep swallowing as much air as you can and you will find the pressure of gulped air will Immediately open the larynx, after which the back pressure from the 'Belching' will open up your throat and kill the spasm. Try it, it really does work.
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Avatar universal
grateful to see your post, from a few years back. Have you had any success, using your EpiPen? Thank you so much.
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Avatar universal
I've been having spasms for 6 months now, happening nearly everyday. Waiting to see a neurologist as I also have speech and swallowing difficulties too. I'm off out to get some magnesium supplement, hope this works
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Avatar universal
Many thanks to you all spams sufferers for your great advices and suggestions which I have taken note. I have had two awfull spams and in both cases I was sure I was going to die (I am 66 and not ready to go). Luckily both times I was with my husband and I told him (by signs as I could not talk) to blow air with his mouth inside mine and the two times after the second blow I began to breath again little by little. I just wanted to share this with you. Kindest regards and good luck
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Avatar universal
Alright...I have had the endoscopy now and am on Nexium...Now I get them 2-3 times a day.  I am ready to give up.. I cannot stand it....
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Avatar universal
Hello.  I'm so glad to have found this site and meet you all!  I've had about 10 episodes over the last few years, which have all been terrifying. Until yesterday they have always happened when I'm starting to fall asleep while reading or lying in the bathtub. Yesterday, though, I guess I took a breath while drinking water (or whatever causes a person to choke while eating or drinking) and as soon as I began coughing I was immediately unable to breathe and the attack lasted longer than any of previous ones. I don't think I have a problem with acid reflux and really don't want to have a lot of medical tests. I've just read a lot of your suggestions and am going to try some of them next time it happens. I also found a video about a 'straw breathing' technique and I'm wondering if anyone finds that helpful?

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Avatar universal
Hi everyone...I am so grateful to have found this blog!  I've been suffering since 12/23 with what I assumed was flu (inspire of my Oct shot)...it turned out to be bronchitis or b-spasms.  After 3 GP visits, advised to go to ER. Tests were all normal.  The 'spasms' as we are all describing have been EVERY MORNING now for 2 weeks...and a few during the day, though less scary.  After researching, it is clear this is what I have.  I see a pulmo guy on Thursday and my Dr. prescribed lidocaine viscous for emergencies. I'm not sure if I'm comfortable enough using it yet....It is impossible to describe to others the absolute horror and fright with this issue!  It is debilitating...and I find I am scared to fall asleep, knowing I'll have it in the AM..I am going to sip some honey tonight and drink some water before I succumb to the urge to cough....I appreciate everyone here...thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
Hi all.
I have had the same thing as all of you, for 7 years i think.
Mine comes if i sleep on my belly, allmost everey time, or if i throw up.
I have found out when i get an attack, i have to breate out as hard as i can, like a big cough... That takes it away, rigth away
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Avatar universal
how can they say you can't die from it? what if you pass out in the car driving, or you are swimming, or you do have a heart attack?
good grief, what if the pilot of a plane passed out?
this is a serious condition and I don't see why the med attitude is , don't worry it won't kill you...this I do not buy.
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Avatar universal
I am so relieved to find this site. I feel better now finally finding others with this condition. I too caught whooping cough from the local middle school in 2007. I was volunteering and handing out bathroom passes. My whooping cough was misdiagnosed by my primary care doctor and the ENT specialist. my son's pediatrician finally diagnosed it as well as my 87 year old mother who had heard this very same cough in the 30's. During and after this whooping cough I had been taking albuterol thinking that it is an asthmatic condition, and even had taken Gerd medicine during my whooping cough as the doctors thought it was the cause. The gerd medicine did not relieve any of the spasms. I did not answer yes to any of the gerd symptoms either. Ever since I am prone to have these spasms. especially during a chest cold, or a smoky environment. I thought it was asthma. last week I had such a severe attack in a movie lobby that (I could not breath one little bit) that a stranger did Heimlich and the paramedics were called. I was terrified. I found my albuterol and couldn't even take a hit on it.! finally a wee bit of air entered so I didn't pass out and the albuterol got in. what an ordeal...it is a wonder I didn't die of a heart attack. I am going to try all of the above diet, magnesium, everything to get away from this horrible condition.  
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Avatar universal
I am so relieved to find this site. I feel better now finally finding others with this condition. I too caught whooping cough from the local middle school in 2007. I was volunteering and handing out bathroom passes. My whooping cough was misdiagnosed by my primary care doctor and the ENT specialist. my son's pediatrician finally diagnosed it as well as my 87 year old mother who had heard this very same cough in the 30's. During and after this whooping cough I had been taking albuterol thinking that it is an asthmatic condition, and even had taken Gerd medicine during my whooping cough as the doctors thought it was the cause. The gerd medicine did not relieve any of the spasms. I did not answer yes to any of the gerd symptoms either. Ever since I am prone to have these spasms. especially during a chest cold, or a smoky environment. I thought it was asthma. last week I had such a severe attack in a movie lobby that (I could not breath one little bit) that a stranger did Heimlich and the paramedics were called. I was terrified. I found my albuterol and couldn't even take a hit on it.! finally a wee bit of air entered so I didn't pass out and the albuterol got in. what an ordeal...it is a wonder I didn't die of a heart attack. I am going to try all of the above diet, magnesium, everything to get away from this horrible condition.  
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Avatar universal
I have also had the usual "I think I am going to die" episode ...and a few more attacks thereafter. I now have this ghastly cold which inflamed my larynx. I have had so many spasms from this that my throat gripping shut and me just relaxing has become almost routine. I could easily invoke an attack right now just by coughing hard. I also get it in the morning and I cant go back to sleep because if I lie down it starts a spasm ...so I am forced to get up early.

My ent specialist tells me that everyone has had this problem at some stage ...I think he is talking utter rubbish and hasn't got a clue about this condition.

I will read through all these posts and see if there are any tips and tricks that can help me with this...thanks!
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Avatar universal
Test
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I have been getting these spasms since having parathyroid surgery. Damage to left vocal cord nerve. I got myself a medical alert bracelet so I don't have someone do the heimlicht for choking. It's the scariest feeling of being strangled and not getting air in or out! Good luck to all.
Jane
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Avatar universal
Hi Guys, there is apparently also an acupressure technique that can relieve a laryngospasm. When having an attack if you press your two index fingers hard into the cavities behind the ear lobes between the jaw and skull and then hold it, this can relax the vocal chords after around ten seconds. I havnt yet had the chance to try this out but its worth a shot I guess. Had my first attack while drinking a hot drink approx 7 yrs ago and have had a few attacks a year since. I also have silent reflux and hiatus hernia. Convinced they are connected to laryngospasms.
Eoin
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2058987 tn?1330668207
That 4 lane emergency sounds bad!
I just got assessed by the specialist  Im to stop ALL Caffen related foods,  apparently this causes the esophagus to weaken  and allows food and acid to burn the throat.  mine is pretty well scarred , and must heal OR could lead to bad things ahead if left, anyhow IM TRYING to stay off tea n Coffee chocolate etc .
my choking has subsided , but my lifestyle has as well LOL
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Avatar universal
I am 64 and laryngeal spasm hit me for the first time a month ago. It happened after a bout of excessive cough. Since then It occurred 4 times , twice at night. The description of the symptoms is like all of you.
I am a physician , I understood what is happening, I try to reassure myself , but the panic takes over. Holding the breath as much as possible may be helpful. If you can.
The cause of my cough is adult Whooping cough that I caught from a patient.
I found out that The tickle is relieved  after ibuprofen or plain pseudo ephedrine. So i take it before my meals
Also , at night a mild tranquilizer may prevent it . Vistaril gives me a good night sleep .
I shall try extra magnesium and report back to this community
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